THE WAY OF THE WORLD.

Waikato Times, Volume 100, Issue 16815, 5 June 1926, Page 13 (Supplement)

THE WAY OF THE WORLD.

IS IT GETTING BETTER? (By "Scissibus.”) Sir John Foster Fraser answers the above question in an inspiring article in the "Humanist." I quote a few of the chief points lie makes in a worthy contribution. "If I may be pardoned venturing -on a somewhat vulgar simile, I would say there are too many distinguished people who find a sort of satisfaction looking at the national tongue and then declaring the stomach of the country is bad,” writes Sir John Foster Fraser in the Humanist. “Rarely a week passes without an endeavour to cause our flesh Lo creep with stories of our degeneracy as compared with our ancestors. "It would appear the virlily of our race departed with our grand-parents. Wc arc told a 10l about the good old times. There never were any good old times. If wc could be shifted hack to them for a week wc would plead for swift re-transition lo the much pleasanter days of 192 G. What Went Out to See? “I am constanliy meeting ponderous dodderers who arc sure civilisation is in rapid decay. After a comfortable dinner they argue that history moves in cycles, lhat we are on Hie downward sweep of one of the turns and that when wc have disappeared in dismal ruin a new and hotter civilisation will evolve from our ashes. “It is my experience that whatever you look for in a nation you will find. "If we can bring friendly and studious eyes to hear upon the world I am convinced that, whilst recognising there is an enormous way lo travel before the universe reaches anything like what it ought to he, we shall find there has been tremendous progress, and humanity, instead of getting worse, is rapidly getting better. Real Spirit Hidden.

“We are disturbed at the conflict in regard to industrial conditions. Arguing from individual or sectional standpoints, we are disposed to think those antagonistc to us are animated by selfish .motives. The clasli of politics concerning economic development makes many people think the hitler striving will lead lo Lho destruction of the household.

"I am of opinion, however, that if we look through and beyond the controversies we will find lhat the real spirit, although often hidden, stimulating the controversialists is to put an end to injustices, to promote fair play, to sec there arc more equitable conditions for all classes, and all with the one purpose of increasing happiness in the world, “In our own country, in spite of political and economic differences, the tendency of public opinion is towards helping the triumph of right. There never was a lime when Lhe general public was more solicitous there should he correct dealing with the working classes.

• “There is plenty of room for improvement, hut we have only to look back over the last fifty years to appreciate what has been accomplished In factory legislation, in conditions of labour, in the reduction of hours, the considerable diminution of slums, to understand there lias been great progress. Standing on tho Hilltop.

"Ethically wc are standing on the top of the hill. Without hope for reward, hut simply because wc believe in right, a tremendous movement l’or ameliorating conditions is now in full swing. When wc have listened to talk about the greed of men wc should notice the valuable services rendered by tens of thousands of people for the bcncfll of their fellows.

“It is right that occasionally we should direct our disapproval towards what are called modern tendencies, the lack of responsibility, tho frequent desire on Hie part of certain sections to think only of pleasure; but it is not right for us to think these arc typical of conditions in Lho nation as a whole.

"The fact lhat there is so much clamour against things lhat are wrong is a proof of generous, worthy intention and of a striving to make the world belter.

“It is necessary we should not be allowed lo forget existing evils, although there is no need for us to scream loudly about them. 'those who persistently yell that humanity is deteriorating are not rendering service lo the world. it is hotter to take review of what lias already been accomplished, to lie of good heart and press on with the work wo ha\c in Rand. This is the right spirit to make the world a better place lo live in."